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Windows XP is one of the most beloved operating systems ever released, still holding on to a significant chunk of the operating system market even after the release of two successors, Windows Vista and Windows 7. However, the old reliable workhorse is beginning to show its age, being unable to run some of the latest games and applications, as well as being left behind in the realm of hardware compatibility.

This is particularly apparent when it comes to the latest CD and DVD drives. Back then, all you had to do was install the hardware onto your PC and your operating system would automatically detect and install the device. This is because Windows XP comes pre-loaded with drivers for such devices, and is able to select the right one for a certain piece of hardware without prompting.

However, as new types and versions of these drives come out, Windows XP’s driver database hasn’t been able to keep up, which is why some people have run into problems getting the operating system to recognize when a new one has been installed. Fortunately, you don’t have to throw out Windows XP just yet.

Here are a few things you can do to get your new CD or DVD drive working:

Update To The Latest Service Pack

First of all, try updating your version of Windows XP, checking to see if it has the latest Service Packs and official updates installed. These patches usually come with new drivers for all sorts of devices in order to keep the OS up to date with the latest hardware on the market. If you’re sporting the latest version of Windows XP and still can’t get your drive detected, then you’ll have to follow a few extra steps.

Check The Device Manager

The first thing to do is to verify if the drive is correctly installed onto your system. If you aren’t certain if the drive is installed properly, then you can look it up on the device manager. To access it, simply click Start, right-click on the My Computer icon, and then click on Properties. Once the Properties dialog is on-screen, click the Hardware tab, and then click the Device Manager button. Look for your drive on the list of installed devices on your computer. If it’s on the list, it should provide a short description of its status, whether it’s in working order, lacks a driver, or is malfunctioning.

Verify That The Drive Is Compatible

The next thing on your to do list is to determine whether or not the drive you have is on Windows XP’s Hardware compatibility list. This list is constantly updated, and can be found at this website. If the drive that you have is on the list, you should be able to download the appropriate driver from that very website. If your brand new drive isn’t on the list yet, then try contacting its manufacturer. They should provide a driver that allows you to use it with Windows XP. If the drive still doesn’t work after getting the appropriate driver from either Windows or the manufacturer, you might want to double-check if the drive itself still works. That way, you might still be able to get a refund or replacement for the device.

Individual drivers may be available and manually installed via manufacturer websites at no charge. We recommend our driver update service that will scan your computer for the most current and compatible drivers and provide them in an easy, convenient method. Registration for the full version is only $29.99 USD for 1 full year of driver updates with the option of a second year for just $9.99 USD.

All third party products, brands, or trademarks used herein are for identification purposes only and are the sole property of their respective owner. No affiliation or endorsement is intended or implied. When using a company's driver you will bound to that company's own legal agreement.

We recommend our installer which is a driver system utility for scanning, matching, downloading, and installing verified drivers. Registration for the full version of the installer is only $29.99 USD for 1 full year of driver updates. with the option of a second year for just $9.99 USD. Many drivers may be obtained directly by visiting the websites of the respective manufacturers.